New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2

CoreScore A score from 1 to 100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. The average CoreScore is 78.
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User ratings

4.5 / 5 based on 396 ratings

5 star

70%

4 star

17%

3 star

7%

2 star

3%

1 star

3%

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Summary

We spent 9.2 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

5
reasons to buy

The general durability of the Fresh Foam Arishi v2 was welcomed; people didn’t experience any material breakdown or separation.

The various color schemes that were available were lauded because they made the shoe pop visually.

Purchasers were happy with the breathable upper, stating that it kept the foot as dry and ventilated as possible.

The flexibility of this running shoe was appreciated; testers noted that they were able to quickly transition through the gait without any hindrances.

The light construction of this product gained praise as it didn’t cause the runners to feel as if their movements were marred or limited.

3
reasons not to buy

Some consumers stated that the Fresh Foam unit in the midsole of the Arishi v2 wasn’t as responsive or full-bodied as the ones in other shoes that feature the tech.

Several testers lamented the lack of an arch support mechanism; they felt that the flat surface of the midsole didn’t offer much comfort or steadiness to the foot-pad.

A few people noted that the available sizes were a bit smaller than expected. They recommended getting one that’s half-a-size larger to attain a pleasant in-shoe experience.

Bottom line

While people liked the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2 for what it had to offer, more than a few of them weren’t happy with some of its parts. While the lightweight construction was praised, the midsole was criticized for being unsupportive of the tendons and muscles of the underfoot. In fact, most of the complaints were about the cushioning unit as it was apparently flimsy compared to other Fresh Foam models. But the flexibility and the general durability of this road companion were highlighted as effective aspects.

Summary

We spent 9.2 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

5
reasons to buy

The general durability of the Fresh Foam Arishi v2 was welcomed; people didn’t experience any material breakdown or separation.

The various color schemes that were available were lauded because they made the shoe pop visually.

Purchasers were happy with the breathable upper, stating that it kept the foot as dry and ventilated as possible.

The flexibility of this running shoe was appreciated; testers noted that they were able to quickly transition through the gait without any hindrances.

The light construction of this product gained praise as it didn’t cause the runners to feel as if their movements were marred or limited.

3
reasons not to buy

Some consumers stated that the Fresh Foam unit in the midsole of the Arishi v2 wasn’t as responsive or full-bodied as the ones in other shoes that feature the tech.

Several testers lamented the lack of an arch support mechanism; they felt that the flat surface of the midsole didn’t offer much comfort or steadiness to the foot-pad.

A few people noted that the available sizes were a bit smaller than expected. They recommended getting one that’s half-a-size larger to attain a pleasant in-shoe experience.

Bottom line

While people liked the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2 for what it had to offer, more than a few of them weren’t happy with some of its parts. While the lightweight construction was praised, the midsole was criticized for being unsupportive of the tendons and muscles of the underfoot. In fact, most of the complaints were about the cushioning unit as it was apparently flimsy compared to other Fresh Foam models. But the flexibility and the general durability of this road companion were highlighted as effective aspects.

Rankings

Updates to New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2

The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2 is a neutral running shoe that’s designed for those who want to take to the roads. The design is somewhat similar to the original Fresh Foam Arishi save for an upper that has a more open construction. The visible pores allow air to enter the foot-chamber, thus enabling a ventilated running experience.

Just like the 1st version, the Arishi v2 has stitch-reinforcements on the upper to provide extra security and durability. The rest of the fit-adjustment system includes a padded collar, a lightly cushioned tongue, a traditional lacing system, and printed overlays.

Underfoot cushioning is the responsibility of the full-length Fresh Foam midsole and the NB Response 1.0 performance insert. Both these pieces are meant to keep the runner safe from landing impact and discomfort. Rubber covers the entire length of the shoe, protecting against wear-and-tear.

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2 size and fit

Standard sizing schemes are used in the making of the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2. Consumers are encouraged to get a pair using their usual sizing expectations. When it comes to width, the men’s version of this running shoe is available in D – Medium and 4E – Wide variants; the women’s iteration has the B – Medium and D – Wide options.

Outsole

A rubber compound is used for the outsole unit of the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2. This layer is meant to protect against the abrasive nature of the surfaces. The grippy nature of this material also permits surface steadiness and positive movement over various road conditions.

Leaf-shaped traction nodes pockmark the surface of the outsole. These mild protrusions heighten traction over the ground, their edges acting as clamps that could potentially improve surface control.

Shallow grooves allow the sole unit to bend in conjunction with the foot as it goes through the gait cycle. The forefoot lift is the phase that benefits the most from this design as it is the phase that involves most of the flexing.

Midsole

The Fresh Foam midsole material is the one that’s used for the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2. This full-length foam is made to provide a responsive and highly luxurious underfoot experience. It is lightweight and flexible, as well. There are indentations and mild bumps on its external façade to heighten impact protection and flexibility. This midsole is also present in the Fresh Foam 1080 v9 and other well-known running shoes from New Balance.

The NB Response 1.0 performance insert is a full-length add-on that’s tasked with providing extra cushioning for the underside of the foot. It is lightweight, flexible, and can be removed or replaced with a new one.

Upper

The upper unit of the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2 is made of engineered mesh. This textile has the quality of woven cloth, with a stretchy and smooth texture that doesn’t irritate the skin. Compared to the mesh used in the original Arishi model, this engineered mesh has a more open configuration to accommodate more air into the foot-chamber. The breathability permits a cool and dry environment for the foot.

The collar and tongue are padded. This construction helps in holding the foot in place and preventing in-shoe wiggling or accidental shoe removals. Moreover, foam in these portions of the shoe help in adding some comfort to the ankles, the heel, and the instep.

Stitching is strategically added to the back part of the façade. The purpose of this reinforcement method is to add structure to the shoe and to maintain durability.

Printed overlays are sparingly used on the silhouette. The thin synthetic add-ons are placed on the sides and the heel to ensure proper foot security. They’re also a means to heighten brand recognition as they take the form of the New Balance ‘N’ logo and the ‘Fresh Foam’ wording.

A traditional lacing system is used for the New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v2. Flat laces snake through discreet eyelets, giving a stealthy fit-adjustment that is also secure. No metal reinforcements are placed around the apertures. Instead, a printed overlay bolsters these holes, averting tearing while preserving the intended purpose.

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